The Pet Boom That Never Really Ended

America’s love for pets has grown into a cultural shift that reshapes how we live and spend. What began as companionship has transformed into a deep, generational attachment that fuels a massive industry and redefines who we view as core family members. Mark Cushing, founder, CEO, Animal Policy Group, author, Pet Nation Dan Rubenstein, founder, CEO, PUPS Pet Club, Chicago. Links for more info: Mark Cushing Website Pups Pet Club – Dan Rubenstein & Our Story Pet Population Growth – […]

November 30, 2025

Viewpoints

Shutdown Fallout: The Families Left Waiting For Help

When the government shut down for 43 days this past October and November, tens of millions of Americans suddenly found the support they rely on slipping out of reach. The disruption revealed just how vulnerable SNAP recipients are when politics stalls and the system falters. We delve into how the SNAP system really works and break some of the misconceptions behind this government service. Jessica Bollinger, case manager, homeless shelter, North Carolina Gina Plato-Niño, SNAP Director, Food Research & Action […]

November 30, 2025

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: Inside The Twisty New Thriller From The “Breaking Bad” Creator

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Vince Gilligan has proven himself to be one of the smartest and most engaging writers in the TV business. After cutting his teeth in television on The X-Files, Gilligan went on to win four Emmy’s and six Writer’s Guild Awards with the show Breaking Bad, which he created, wrote for, and directed for. Once Bad wrapped, he went on to co-create its spinoff Better […]

November 26, 2025

Viewpoints

Viewpoints Explained: Inside The New Grocery Budget Squeeze

Across grocery aisles, the American shopping cart is shrinking. After years of steady food inflation, more adults are simply buying less. A shift some analysts have started calling the half-cart trend. An AP Norc Poll released in august found that 53 percent of adults polled say grocery costs are now a major source of stress in their life. And this outlook is changing habits. Almost 90 percent of polled consumers told Lendingtree they’ve adjusted how they shop by buying more […]

November 26, 2025

Viewpoints

America’s Quiet Addiction: One Man’s Recovery, One Doctor’s Warning

Behind the drinks we celebrate lies a nationwide addiction crisis. A recovering alcoholic and an emergency room doctor join us this week to share how easily alcohol dependence takes hold, the long-term damaging effects of this addiction and some of the newest treatments available on the frontlines. Christopher Najera, author of The Hard Truth! Stopping Alcohol, Dr. Corey Hazekamp, emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Links for more info: The Hard Truth Website The Hard Truth! Stopping […]

November 23, 2025 1

Viewpoints

I Spy Delicious Pie

Pie has come a long way from medieval savory fare to a global dessert favorite. Pie expert Ken Haedrich dishes out simple baking tips, his pick for Thanksgiving (creamy Southern buttermilk pie), and a reminder that the crust matters but perfection doesn’t. Bottom line: all pie is good pie. Ken Haedrich, Food writer and author of the cookbook Pie Academy. Links for more info: Pie Academy by Ken Haedrich Pie Recipes from the Pie Academy Easy Pie Recipes for Beginner […]

November 23, 2025

Viewpoints

Culture Crash: Why Rewatching Our Favorite Films Never Get Old

Welcome to Culture Crash, where we examine American culture – what’s new and old in entertainment… Do you remember the first movie that really captured your whole attention? I recently re-watched The Prestige, Christopher Nolan’s 2006 movie about warring magicians around the turn of the century. It stars Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, and I’ve considered it to be my favorite movie ever since I first saw it in theaters at 13. I saw it opening weekend when my friend and I headed into […]

November 19, 2025

Viewpoints

Viewpoints Explained: From Queens To City Hall: Zohran Mamdani’s Unlikely Path

This is Viewpoints Explained… New York city has elected a new mayor and it’s a historic win. Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in at the beginning of January. At just 34 years old, he’s the city’s youngest mayor in more than a century. He’s also the first Muslim and south Asian American to hold the position. Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda and raised in south Africa before immigrating to New York at age seven. He graduated from college in […]

November 19, 2025

Viewpoints

Sleep Like A Baby? How Our Early Sleep Habits Shape Us

We often think of sleep as a nightly reset, but what if our lifelong rest patterns are set much earlier in life? This week – we cover how researchers are uncovering how disrupted infant sleep may alter brain development and emotional regulation well into adulthood. Dr. Wendy Hall, Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia Dr. Graham Diering, Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Links for more info: Wendy Hall Faculty Page Graham […]

November 16, 2025